Portable heaters, gas fires and open fires:

Why are heaters such a concern?

There are many reasons fires start, but fires involving heaters seem to have a particularly high fatality rate. This might be because of the circumstances they start in:

• Fires typically start when bedding, blankets or clothes are placed too close to heaters.
• People with mobility issues are especially at risk of tripping or falling onto a heater – placing them at a safe distance is important.
• Some kinds of heater also present a carbon monoxide risk which can be fatal. It can make you drowsy and less able to escape. That's why it's so important to always fit a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with solid fuel, gas or paraffin heaters.

Using portable heaters safely

Portable heaters are great for heating a single room, but they come with risks – especially for those with mobility issues. Here’s how to use them safely:

All heaters

• Keep heaters well away from bedding, blankets, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
• People with mobility issues are especially at risk of tripping or falling onto a heater – so where they’re placed is important.
  • Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair.
  • Where appropriate, secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters.
• Before moving your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first.
• Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
• Check that your heater isn't on a recall list.
• Never install, repair or service appliances yourself. Make sure anyone who does is registered with:
  • The Gas Safe Register for gas appliances
  • The Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) for solid fuel appliances
  • The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) for oil appliances

Electric heaters

• Remember, over 160 fires are caused by electric heaters every year.
• Tragically, a third of electrical fires that ended in a fatality involved heaters.
• Don't take risks with old heaters – if it's electrical and getting older, get it tested by a qualified electrician or buy a new one.

Gas fires and biofuel heaters

• Gas heater cylinders should be changed in the open air. If you have to change them indoors make sure all rooms are ventilated - open the windows and doors.
• Store spare propane or oxygen cylinders upright and outside whenever possible. Never store them in basements, under stairs or in cupboards containing electric meters or equipment.
• Ensure empty cylinders are collected regularly.
• Fireboxes and containers should always be placed on a stable surface. When using biofuel always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
• Don’t overstock fuels of any type including paraffin or biofuel and store them safely.
• Never add fuel to a burning fire, or refill a firebox fuel container that is still hot.

Using log burners and open fires safely

It's really important to follow some simple rules to keep snug safely with a traditional fire:

• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
• Always have your chimney swept by a specialist – at least once a year for coal, twice if burning logs. Chimney Sweeps should be certified by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps or HETAS.
• Make sure you use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers.
• Before you go to bed, make sure fires or hot embers are under control and guarded.
• Store logs away from solid fuel burners – radiated heat can cause them to burn.
• Keep clothing and fabric well away from open fires and log burners.
• Watch out for children and pets – supervise them carefully, and use fire guards.

Carbon monoxide risks – gas fires, open fires and log burners

It's really important to fit a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms containing solid fuel gas, or paraffin heaters. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and learn what to do if you suspect there may be a leak. Take a look at our carbon monoxide safety page to find out more.